Lethbridge's Grady Sterling-Ponech has been named the KIJHL's Top Defenceman. (Photo: Kootenay International Junior Hockey League)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge hockey player wins KIJHL award

Feb 25, 2025 | 9:16 AM

A local junior hockey player is being recognized.

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) has announced this year’s Bill Ohlhausen Division Award Winners.

Lethbridge’s Grady Sterling-Ponech was named the division’s Top Defenceman.

He produced 39 points in 44 games this season with the Princeton Posse, a new career high.

Sterling-Ponech averaged 22:16 of ice time per game with a plus-30.

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The 21-year-old was fourth in assists at 32 and led all KIJHL defencemen with 23 power-play points and 21 power-play assists.

The Lethbridge native was named the Top Defenceman three times this past season – on October 20, November 17, and December 8, 2024.

Several Albertans claimed awards within the Bill Ohlhausen Division, including Sherwood Park’s Tyson Horiachka as MVP, Sherwood Park’s Matthew Langdon as Top Scorer, Calgary’s Kael Svenson as Top Goaltender, and Calgary’s Sam Giangualano as Rookie of the Year.

The full list of award winners can be found at KIJHL.ca

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